SAINT-TITE, Quebec, September 9, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament (Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière), today announced funding for the 43rd Festival Western de St-Tite, which will take place from September 10 to 19, 2010.
Once again this year, the Festival Western de St-Tite promises a thrilling program of activities. Over the course of 10 days, this celebration of country and western will bring together around 50 artists, 30 local craftspeople, and close to 275 local historical performers who will give people in the Mauricie region the chance to experience the cowboy lifestyle. The organization is expecting more than 650,000 visitors of all ages and backgrounds, who will have the chance to discover new local talent. Around 600 volunteers will help bring the Festival to life.
"When our Government invests in culture, it offers Canadians a window on a vast array of artistic and heritage experiences that reflect the diverse within a region," said Minister Moore. "Congratulations to all the artists and volunteers who help make the Festival Western de St-Tite an undeniable success each year."
"Over the next few days, many participants and visitors will come to St-Tite and have the opportunity to discover or rediscover Quebec's rich country and western heritage. Thanks to its eclectic programming, the Festival promises to entertain people of all ages and to contribute to a more dynamic community," said Mr. Gourde.
"The contribution of Canadian Heritage to our event is very important to our development objectives. This support provides added value to the whole community and brings significant economic and tourism benefits to the region. It will also serve as a springboard for reaching new horizons in sustainable development. We are very proud and we appreciate the continued support from the Government of Canada in our steps toward growth," said Pascal Lafrenière, General Manager of the Festival Western de St-Tite.
The Festival Western de St-Tite is an organization whose mission is to produce activities aimed at recreating an authentic country and western atmosphere. It holds an event that has garnered an important place among events of this type in Eastern North America. It actively contributes to the vitality of the region's economy and tourism.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $103,200 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
